Ticks are a plague to both dogs and people.
The bloodsucking external parasites are not insects as commonly thought. They are actually arachnids as are spiders, scorpions and mites. Adult ticks have eight legs.
Ticks feed by imbedding their mouthparts into a host’s skin, making them ideal transmitters of Lyme disease, Rocky mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis, which is often referred to as dog fever.
There are several varieties of ticks. Brown, deer and American ticks are among the most common, but others do exist.
The brown dog tick, most commonly found in the southwestern and Gulf coast states, is a transmitter of ehrlichiosis, a bacterial infection.
Deer ticks, also known as black-legged ticks, are most commonly found in the Midwestern, northeastern and mid-Atlantic states. They are known to transmit Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, a disease that causes stiff and painful joints, fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy.
American dog ticks, which are most commonly found in states east of the Rocky Mountains, carry bacteria that can cause Rocky mountain fever. Symptoms of the disease include fever, stiffness, neurological problems and skin lesions.
The habitat in which ticks live make dogs an ideal host from which to feed. Ticks are commonly found in tall grass and trees where they lie in wait for an animal to come along. Once they land on a dog, the tick attaches itself by inserting its cutting mandibles and feeding tube into the skin.
Ticks find their hosts by detecting emitted heat or carbon dioxide. They are most active in warm weather, but can be found any time.
The parasites are commonly found along trails made by deer and near abundant water supplies where wildlife may frequent.
They are also prolific breeders. In the case of the brown dog tick, adult females can lay up to 3,000 eggs after filling themselves with blood. The eggs are often found in pet bedding, around baseboards, window or door casing, furniture, rugs and curtains. It is not unusual for the female about to lay eggs to seek a higher elevation in which to do so.
Ticks can be found in varying sizes. Deer ticks can fit on the head of a straight pin. However, all species increase in size as they suck blood, blowing up to many times their original size.
Ticks will normally stay on a dog for several days. Once they are blown up to almost bursting with blood, they will often drop off of the dog on their own. However, a conscientious pet owner should check for the parasites at least once a day during the warm months (considerably more often if you live in a heavily wooded area).
Remove them immediately because infection from ticks can occur in as little as 24 hours. If you have any questions about tick removal, consult a veterinarian. If you do it yourself, you need to remove the entire tick. Try not to leave the mouthparts behind.
If you notice your puppy showing any unusual symptoms or characteristics after being host to a tick, contact a veterinarian immediately. The puppy may require a blood test to check for Lyme disease. Medication may be necessary if the puppy tests positive.
There are many products available today that help to repel and/or kill ticks and fleas. There are oral medications and there are others that are applied on the skin once a month. These include collars, sprays and dusts that can be applied to your puppy.
It is a good idea to consult with a veterinarian when waging the war on ticks. They can suggest measures best suited to your puppy. Some medications that are applied to the skin do not last very long if the puppy spends a lot of time in water.
The best tactic in the battle against the bloodsuckers is vigilance. Your puppy will love you for it.
Related posts:
- Keep your Dog Free of Ticks
- Treating Your Lawn for Ticks
- Lyme Disease
- Understanding Your Puppies Health Needs
- Understanding Ear Yeast Infections
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